The SanDisk Cruzer is perfect for moving files between home or school and work. It can also be used to move information to a laptop computer, transport photos to a family get-together, or take files to a friend’s computer. I often use mine as a temporary backup mechanism. When I save my work to the hard drive, I also save it to the Cruzer Mini. If my hard drive were to crash, I would not lose any of my precious work. My Cruzer has also become an indispensable traveling companion. If I will be visiting an office or other location that has a computer available, I can simply transport my work on the Cruzer rather than lug around my laptop computer.

Installation couldn’t be easier. Simply insert the Cruzer into the USB port and the computer automatically installs it on all newer operating systems, including Macs. (Windows 98 users will have to install drivers.) The Cruzer appears as a new drive in My Computer ready to accept files. The thin contour of the device allows it to be easily inserted even if other equipment is plugged into adjacent USB slots. On newer computers with USB 2 ports, the Cruzer is quite speedy. It is also backwardly compatible with the USB 1 ports, but these older ports slow it down a bit.

The Cruzer Mini Comes with an advanced file security application called CruzerLock that encrypts your individual files to keep them safe and secure. Simply choose a personal password and select the file(s) that you want to protect. This will keep your files safe from “prying eyes” if your Cruzer is lost or stolen.

I reviewed the 256K SanDisk Cruzer that can hold the same amount of data as about 177 floppy disks. This was more than adequate for using as a temporary backup, storing and moving my writing files, and transporting pictures of the grandchildren. The Cruzer Mini also come in a 128K version. Others have storage capacities up to 1GB, which holds up to 30 hours of digitally compressed music or more than 1,000 high-resolution digital images.

What’s not to like? I found only one thing. While the Cruzer itself is durable, the removable cap is easy to break. Most importantly it must be pressed onto the Cruzer until you hear a slight click. It is easy to put the cap on and have it fall off because it was not securely attached. In three month’s use, I lost one cap and broke another. Obviously SanDisk knows about this problem since it includes two additional caps. A neck strap is also included. I don’t see too many people willing to wear their hard drive around their necks. Hint to SanDisk: Perhaps some sort of strap that could be used to attach the Cruzer to a key chain or pocketbook would be more useful.

SanDisk is the world’s largest supplier of flash memory data storage card products.

Purchasing a USB drive from a company known for making storage media gives the buyer a little added comfort. Luckily for all of us, prices on these USB drives keep getting lower and lower. Also be sure to check for discounts and rebates that may also be available on this product.

Manufacturer:  SanDisk

Price:  $24.99